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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has allowed teams from Sri Lanka to partake in international events despite the country’s suspension from ICC membership.
The ICC, during its recent meeting, announced that Sri Lanka can engage in both bilateral series and ICC events, while simultaneously assuming control over the funding provided to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Additionally, the ICC has relocated the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 from Sri Lanka to South Africa.
The ICC Board, after reviewing Sri Lanka Cricket’s suspension terms, stated, “Following discussions with SLC representatives, the ICC Board has permitted Sri Lanka to continue international participation, despite the recent suspension due to failure in meeting membership obligations. This includes bilateral cricket engagements and participation in ICC events. However, the ICC will supervise funding directed to SLC.”
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Furthermore, the ICC confirmed the decision to shift the hosting rights of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 away from Sri Lanka, reallocating it to South Africa.
Sri Lanka Cricket faced suspension from ICC membership due to governmental interference in the sport’s governance. This decision was a response to Sri Lanka Parliament’s unanimous passing of a proposal aimed at removing office-bearers of Sri Lanka Cricket, alleging corruption among the officials.
The Parliament’s joint motion titled ‘Removal of corrupt office-bearers including President from SLC’ received unanimous support, highlighting concerns of government involvement in cricket administration.
The ICC Board’s deliberation on November 11 emphasized Sri Lanka Cricket’s significant breach of its membership obligations, particularly in managing its affairs autonomously and preventing government interference in the regulation and administration of cricket within Sri Lanka.
-IANS
